Sherborne St. John

In 1086 the manor of Sherborne St. John was held by Hugh de Port and continued in the possession of the de Ports and their successors, the St. Johns, until 1355. The St. John's land was then partitioned and Sherborne St. John devolved to the de Philiberts and then to the de Poynings, both branches of the St. John family. The property passed in 1439 through the female line to the Kyngestons, and remained with their successors until it was sold in 1550 to Thomas, Lord Sandys of the Vyne.

The Vyne was known until the beginning of the sixteenth century as Sherborne Coudray, and formed part of the Manor of Sherborne St. John until the reign of Henry II, when it was granted to William FitzAdam. The descent of the property was quite complex, but for a long while it was in the hands of the Coudray family from whom its name derived. In 1386 the land became the property of the Sandys family who built The Vyne in the reign of Henry VIII. Elizabeth I was sumptuously entertained at The Vyne, and is said to have been highly satisfied with the reception prepared for her guests. In 1653 the property was sold to Chaloner Chute, the celebrated lawyer and Speaker of the House of Commons, and remained with the Chutes and their descendants until 1956 when The Vyne was bequeathed to the National Trust.

Another manor in the parish was called Beaurepaire which was one of the principal seats of the Brocas family. The mansion was visited by royalty at least twice.

The Churchwarden's accounts of 1802 contain a curious entry: "Paid the sum of 3.16s. Od. for 152 dozen sparrows heads".

Further information on attractions to discover in the area and other interesting villages to visit is available. For information on public services for Sherborne St John please take a look at the Basingstoke local pages.